So…I’m in a coffee house on a Tuesday afternoon. No one’s there…except you. Room full of people…but no one’s there…except you.

You’re across the way, head down into your book, with old pages, on a soft sofa. This is not a Starbucks. This the last of the glorious spaces made by a single mind with YOU in mind. This is a real haven of tea and cawfy…of chess boards with salt and pepper shakers for moves…of cork boards of artist exhibits and guitar lessons.

And I see you reading a book of sonnets and I think, “O…k…now she’s just showin’ off. I mean, who reads sonnets anymore so she MUST be trying to get my attention.” And you do. You have my full attention and the board is set. It is time I make my move.

This is the Tuesday afternoon I finally brush the busy pawns forward and away. The rows of no bodies sitting between us, taking up space, and serve no real purpose as I approach this Queen. You can’t even see me coming in your direction for all the insignificant others around.

I follow a gallant server, brave his way through the crowd…two steps forward…a step to the side…missing being bumped or knocked over. He’s done this before and lead my way closer.

All clear…until THEY walk in, bypassing all the obstructions and make a perfect line for you. Your bishops, your protectors, your confidants…your friends. They stand strong looking about, before asking if you need anything. You have your book….you have your tea. You were pleased and need nothing from them, at the moment…but be close. They oblige.

The guardians swiftly shift out on the same, direct path on which they came and you are left wide open. Nothing between you…and me…except a single move. The Kingless Kingdom was within my reach to visit. I had not taken into consideration the rook in the NE corner of the District. In one sudden move, the castle relocates, dropping the Potomac at your feet, drawing the bridge…and I must wait.

Standing patiently, I will wait. I have no place to be…before the check.